Trying to predict what players will be chosen by specific teams is nearly impossible before the All Star games, Combine and Pro Days, but below is the first mock draft of the new year. As always I try to match hat I am hearing about team's desires with what I believe are the best players available, so take a look and send me your thoughts.

1. Kansas City Chiefs: Manti Te’o, MLB, Notre Dame, Senior: No quarterback warrants being the first overall pick and after Jovan Belcher’s suicide the Chiefs have a strong need for another impact linebacker and Te’o can be that player.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State, Junior: While many may expect the Jaguars to reach for a quarterback to replace Blaine Gabbert, we believe that Tim Tebow will be that player. So the new general manager can focus on improving the Jaguars pass rush, which has struggled with consistency in recent seasons.

3. Oakland Raiders: Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M, Junior: With many needs the Raiders make the decision to draft Joeckel who is viewed as potentially one of the safer choices in the Draft. Joeckel could either upgrade the Raiders at left tackle and push Veldheer to the right side or could take over at right tackle while Veldheer stays on the left; either way the Raiders offensive line improves greatly.

4. Philadelphia Eagles: Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M, Junior: Without Jason Peters playing left tackle in 2012 the Eagles’ offensive line struggled all season. So drafting Matthews gives them insurance in case Peters struggles to return from injury and could be a big upgrade at right tackle if Peters is healthy and back at left tackle for the 2013 season.

5. Detroit Lions: Kenny Vaccaro, SAF, Texas, Senior: Louis Delmas is starting to get the “injury prone” label and the Lions do not have a top level safety to play next to him. While some may view Vaccaro as a reach, we believe he would be an immediate starter for the Lions and would upgrade their pass defense.

6. Cleveland Browns: Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama, Senior: The Browns have a ton of young offensive talent at the skill positions, but for them to blossom their offensive line needs to improve. Warmack would upgrade their interior offensive line play and improve their rushing attack immediately.

7. Arizona Cardinals: Mike Glennon, QB, N.C. State, Senior: Whomever the new head coach in Arizona ends up being, he likely will not want to count on Kolb, Skelton or Lindley for the future . So they draft the strong armed Glennon who reminds us a tremendous amount of Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan.

8. Buffalo Bills: Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan, Junior: With OG Andy Levitre an unrestricted free agent and no established right tackle on the roster; the Bills grab Lewan who could start at right tackle from day one.

9. New York Jets: Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia, Junior: While the Jets are likely to draft a quarterback to challenge Sanchez, they do not want to reach for one here. So they jump at the chance to add the explosive Jones who should upgrade their outside pass rush immediately.

10. Tennessee Titans: Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama, Junior: The Titans have a number of holes, but the chance to add a strong and physical cornerback with pro bowl potential makes too much sense for them to pass up.

11. San Diego Chargers: Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan, Senior: A better prospect coming out of school than Joe Staley, Fisher could take over at left tackle and help keep Philip Rivers upright for the rest of his career.

12. Miami Dolphins: Keenan Allen, WR, California, Junior: Quarterback Ryan Tannehill showed flashes that he can be the long term answer for the Dolphins, but he needs weapons. Allen is a big play receiver who can “take the top off the defense” to open everything up for their offense.

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Oday Aboushi, OT, Virginia, Senior: The Buccaneers right side of their offensive line struggled with consistency in 2012, which leads to their choice of Aboushi who is strong, physical and consistent. He should challenge to start at either right tackle or right guard as a rookie.

14. Carolina Panthers: Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah, Senior: Carolina has two quality defensive ends in Charles Johnson and Greg Hardy, but its interior defensive line continued to struggle in 2012. Lotulelei would be an impact player in the middle of its defensive line from day one, which would upgrade the Panthers’ defense.

15. New Orleans Saints: Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri, Junior: Sedric Ellis is an unrestricted free agent and the Saints need to upgrade their defense. Richardson would give them an explosive, penetrating defensive tackle that would regularly make impact plays behind the LOS.

16. St. Louis Rams: Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina, Senior: Quarterback Sam Bradford was constantly under pressure in 2012 and Cooper is an athletic and powerful lineman with the talent to start at guard or center for the Rams.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Dion Jordan, OLB, Oregon, Senior: James Harrison was not the impact pass rusher in 2012 that he was earlier in his career and Lamarr Woodley struggled with injuries throughout 2012, so they add Jordan. Jordan could backup both in 2013 while adding explosiveness and speed to the Steelers pass rush.

18. Dallas Cowboys: Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State, Junior: Neither Jason Hatcher or Marcus Spears has become an elite defensive lineman and Hankins would add size and strength to the defensive end position in the Cowboys 34 scheme.

19. New York Giants: Ezekial Ansah, DE, BYU, Senior: Osi Umenyiora ‘s contract is up so he will likely not be back and Justin Tuck has recorded two straight up and down seasons. Ansah is raw, but similar to Jason Pierre Paul in terms of athleticism, competitiveness and potential.

20. Chicago Bears: Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma, Senior: To say the Bears offensive line has been a major weakness in recent seasons would be an under-statement. Johnson has only played offensive tackle for two seasons and with his height, long arms and athleticism his upside is outstanding.

21 P. Cincinnati Bengals: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee, Junior: The Bengals hit big time on their selection of AJ Green and like the potential of Marvin jones, but the chance to grab Patterson, who reminds us a lot of Falcons’ receiver Roddy White, makes too much sense as he would be a great weapon opposite Green.

22 P. St. Louis Rams (From Washington): Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia, Senior: After upgrading their offensive line with their first first round pick, the Rams get the most explosive offensive weapon in the Draft for Bradford to throw to.

23 P. Baltimore Ravens: Alex Ogletree, LB, Georgia, Junior: With Ray Lewis coming off a major injury and entering his 18th season in 2013, the Ravens jump at chance to grab Ogletree who is the most explosive inside linebacker in the Draft.

24 P. Minnesota Vikings: Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama, Senior: Longtime stud defensive tackle Kevin Williams is 32, so the Vikings grab Williams who can be their third defensive tackle in 2013 and take over as starter when Williams is done.

25 P. Indianapolis Colts: Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State, Senior: Ryan Grigson pulled off a great trade getting cornerback Vontae Davis and now he drafts Banks to shore up the other cornerback position.

26 P. Seattle Seahawks: Barrett Jones, C / OG, Alabama, Senior: Jones is not a top athlete, but he is a smart, aggressive and versatile lineman who could start at center, guard or even tackle for Seahawks in the future.

27 P. Green Bay Packers: Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame, Senior: Current tight end Jermichael Finley is not expected to return to team in 2013, so the Packers upgrade the position by drafting Eifert whose combination of size, athleticism and hands are tough to find.

28 P. San Francisco 49ers: Margus Hunt, DE, SMU, Senior: Since defensive end Justin Smith was injured, the 49ers defense has struggled greatly, so they need to find a young defensive lineman to groom as his replacement. Hunt is an incredible athlete with great length, explosiveness and strength who could turn into a star in a season or two.

29 P. Houston Texans: Eric Reid, SAF, LSU, Junior: The Texans have been expected to draft a receiver in the first round to play opposite Andre Johnson every year and never have, so I believe they will continue that trend and focus on a different position. Reid is an active safety with the toughness to be a force against the run and the range and coverage skills to help the Texans deep coverage.

30 P. New England Patriots: Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M, Junior: The Patriots pass rush still struggles to get consistent pressure, so they take a gamble on Moore who has the talent to become a dominating outside linebacker in their system and bring positional versatility to their defense, which Belichick gives enormous weight to.

31 P. Atlanta Falcons: Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU, Junior: John Abraham is not getting any younger, so the Falcons draft Montgomery to backup Abraham and Biermann in 2013 and take over for Abraham when he retires.

32 P. Denver Broncos: David Amerson, CB, N.C. State, Junior: Champ Bailey is nearing the end of a Hall of Fame Career, so Coach Fox adds Amerson who has the combination of size, strength, willingness to play physical and coverage skills to be a solid all-around cornerback.

No Geno in the first round. Not very realistic AT ALL, but....if you could get Geno in the second round--and it was guarenteed--who would you pick #1?

Hate me all you want guys but I'm really scared we're going to reach for a QB who wouldn't be a first round pick in any of the past 5 years. I really want a franchise QB I'm just getting scared of how large a risk it will be with our pick.

My house is in need of improvements. The house is too cold because the HVAC system is broken and it is poorly insulated. I have two options and both will cost the same:

1. I can get top of the line insulation and new energy efficient windows and a make do HVAC system. The insulation and window contractor has impeccable references in all the best neighborhoods. I'll have really really good insulation. But I'll have to settle for a used 5-year-old heat pump from a manufacturer that went out of business. The contractor is a guy that does it part time out of his garage. He supposedly knows his stuff, but can't give me any references.

2. I can get a new mid-range brand-name heat pump from a licensed contractor. Good references. But he's only been in business 2 years and the labor warranty would be invalid if he went out of business. I'll have enough left over to get better insulation in the attic too.

Hate me all you want guys but I'm really scared we're going to reach for a QB who wouldn't be a first round pick in any of the past 5 years. I really want a franchise QB I'm just getting scared of how large a risk it will be with our pick.

Pretty much, just because we need a QB, doesn't mean we have to take him in the first round. If the top 8 QB's are all basically the same talent, why not wait until the second and get an immediate starter in the first as well? Bang for your buck baby.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nightfyre

I will offer a sig-bet. I bet there are at least four QBs taken in the first round. Who wants to take me on?

**** yeah, lets do it. I need a fancy sig.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdcox

My house is in need of improvements. The house is too cold because the HVAC system is broken and it is poorly insulated. I have two options and both will cost the same:

1. I can get top of the line insulation and new energy efficient windows and a make do HVAC system. The insulation and window contractor has impeccable references in all the best neighborhoods. I'll have really really good insulation. But I'll have to settle for a used 5-year-old heat pump from a manufacturer that went out of business. The contractor is a guy that does it part time out of his garage. He supposedly knows his stuff, but can't give me any references.

2. I can get a new mid-range brand-name heat pump from a licensed contractor. Good references. But he's only been in business 2 years and the labor warranty would be invalid if he went out of business. I'll have enough left over to get better insulation in the attic too.

OPTION 1!!!!! /Exoter175

Worst analogy EVER.

As of this moment, whoever the talent is for the first QB taken in the draft, can have similar talent taken in the second round of the draft. That's why I'm not opposed to taking a guy like Te'o who won't be available in the second round, nor will his talent.

Believe me though, I want Geno to blow the **** up at the combine so we can justify spending that #1 pick on a QB, and shit all over the ****ing drafted QB curse we have in KC. Then I'll dance all over Pioli's grave as Clark sails this ship to the promised land.

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"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father ... And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

"If the people let government decide what foods they eat and what medicines they take, their bodies will soon be in as sorry a state as are the souls of those who live under tyranny." - Thomas Jefferson

As of this moment, whoever the talent is for the first QB taken in the draft, can have similar talent taken in the second round of the draft. That's why I'm not opposed to taking a guy like Te'o who won't be available in the second round, nor will his talent.

Believe me though, I want Geno to blow the **** up at the combine so we can justify spending that #1 pick on a QB, and shit all over the ****ing drafted QB curse we have in KC. Then I'll dance all over Pioli's grave as Clark sails this ship to the promised land.

See the problem is a lot of people here already think Geno and Wilson are better than the guys that will be around in the 2nd round. I'm not settling for the 4th or 5th QB in the draft that is not as good(even if its not enormous), because of Teo or a LT.

Hate me all you want guys but I'm really scared we're going to reach for a QB who wouldn't be a first round pick in any of the past 5 years. I really want a franchise QB I'm just getting scared of how large a risk it will be with our pick.

For the trillionth time, the new CBA means there's virtually no risk. If Geno somehow does suck, get rid of him and draft a new one.

Right? Basically how I feel right now having watched Geno's final two games thinking.....this guy is supposed to be a cut above the rest? Only with our luck would we get this draft class with the #1 pick.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NJChiefsFan

See the problem is a lot of people here already think Geno and Wilson are better than the guys that will be around in the 2nd round. I'm not settling for the 4th or 5th QB in the draft that is not as good(even if its not enormous), because of Teo or a LT.

The problem with that is the rest of the world doesn't agree. There are Mocks that have 1 QB in the first, 4, 2, 3, none. 4 different QB's listed as the first QB pick. Hell, 6 months ago, Geno was THE guy. He was hands down the unanimous pick for the #1 QB taken, now that isn't the case and I've seen Mocks with him in the second round.

What that says to me is that there is no consensus. This time last year and all year before that, there was no doubt that Luck/RG3 were #1/#2 QB's taken. Not so much this year.

This draft reminds me more of the Browns, when they went and grabbed who was it? Joe Thomas, Left Tackle, then traded up to draft Brady Quinn 1 spot ahead of Kansas City before we drafted him, which I believe was still a Carl Peterson team and he went on record to say he would have drafted him at that spot too.

I'm just saying as of right now, I think Te'O is hands down the best at his position, and I think we can easily get one of the best players in this draft, as well as a young talented QB who is "on par" with everyone else in this draft class, at the number 2 spot.

Admittedly, I do have a lot of video to watch on Smith and Bray, so that could change. But what I have seen so far, I'm not sure there is enough separation to say without a doubt, that Geno is the #1 guy hands down. Although, that being said, from the 4 games I've watched this year with Geno, I'm not opposed to him being a Chief at all, I do like him as a QB, but I don't love him yet. And that could change with time and with more metrics.

The problem is that the rookie wage scale has changed the scenario that existed the year the Browns did that. The risk with a QB has dropped a ton. When you consider how important a QB is I don't think its a hard decision. Geno/Siler vs. Bray/Teo. I don't have to think twice about that. You are much more likely to find an impact ILB later in the draft, in FA, or hell, undrafted ie. the guy Teo would be replacing.

We have 3 very good LB's. We won't be killed if the 4th isn't amazing. We can't **** around getting a QB. I think its foolish to be alright taking the 3rd or 4th, maybe 5th QB in the draft so we can improve another position. ILB isn't even our second most important position. You could argue that besides CB its behind DE and S.

The problem is that the rookie wage scale has changed the scenario that existed the year the Browns did that. The risk with a QB has dropped a ton. When you consider how important a QB is I don't think its a hard decision. Geno/Siler vs. Bray/Teo. I don't have to think twice about that. You are much more likely to find an impact ILB later in the draft, in FA, or hell, undrafted ie. the guy Teo would be replacing.

We have 3 very good LB's. We won't be killed if the 4th isn't amazing. We can't **** around getting a QB. I think its foolish to be alright taking the 3rd or 4th, maybe 5th QB in the draft so we can improve another position. ILB isn't even our second most important position. You could argue that besides CB its behind DE and S.

You're telling me that you wouldn't take, say, Te'O at an overall score of 87, and then draft Wilson at an 81 overall? Instead you'd take Smith at 82 and Ogletree at 81? Seems like you get better Value out of Te'o/Wilson than Smith/Ogletree.

Of course, that is under the assumption that no QB separates themselves and proves to be elite, because none of them have so far.

Lets go draft a punter, because apparently I'm on board for drafting a punter with the #1 pick, call me Taco of Tacocorp and load me up with Kickers.

You basically, are, yeah. Play it off with sarcasm, but Jovan Belcher's spot in our 3-4 defense isn't that ****ing important. Why the **** would we even CONSIDER drafting that spot at #1 overall when it can be had later in the draft?

And before you say "these QBs can be drafted later on," the answer is "No." They should not be drafted later. They're so much more ****ing important. The potential reward is higher, and the potential bust factor is negligible.

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Reaper16

I would read an entire blog of SNR breaking down athletes' musical capabilities like draft scouting reports.

You're telling me that you wouldn't take, say, Te'O at an overall score of 87, and then draft Wilson at an 81 overall? Instead you'd take Smith at 82 and Ogletree at 81? Seems like you get better Value out of Te'o/Wilson than Smith/Ogletree.

What are the kicker/punter rankings? If we could get a 99 punter with our 83 QB, and then pick up a 78 ILB, THEN we'd be talking!

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Reaper16

I would read an entire blog of SNR breaking down athletes' musical capabilities like draft scouting reports.